ITEF Launches Collective Bargaining Framework and Calls for Stronger Seafarers’ Welfare and Maritime Safety Standards

The International Transport Employees Federation (ITEF) has unveiled a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Framework for seafarers, integrating key elements from the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) and suggesting the International Labour Organization (ILO)-recommended minimum wage scale as a guide for seafarers' pay.

This move represents a significant stride towards bolstering collective representation, championing fair workplace conditions, and enforcing internationally recognized labour and welfare standards within the maritime sector. It is part of ITEF's overarching goal to establish a united national platform for seafarers' trade unions, maritime welfare organizations, and transport workers' representatives in India.

The federation aims to tackle persistent issues plaguing seafarers, such as pay disputes, labor exploitation, onboard mistreatment, subpar living and working conditions, hazardous vessels, and limitations in welfare safeguards. In pursuit of resolving pressing matters impacting the maritime workforce, an ITEF team met with high-ranking officials from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), Government of India, comprising Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, DGMA; Shri Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor-cum-Additional DGMA; and Capt.

S. I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Adviser-cum-Additional DGMA. During their discussions, the delegation raised numerous issues, including onboard harassment, unpaid wages, unsafe working environments, substandard vessels, MLC 2006 breaches, and the necessity for enhanced regulatory oversight. They also highlighted that seafarers' unions and welfare groups are receiving a multitude of complaints from seafarers and their families regarding employment-related exploitation, delayed wage payments, poor onboard conditions, and various welfare infringements.

Concerns were raised about substandard vessels persisting in Indian ports and crossing Indian waters, which could jeopardize seafarers' lives and maritime safety. In response, the delegation urged DGMA officials to intensify and improve Port State Control (PSC) inspections at all Indian ports, including unannounced checks. They emphasized that inspections should not solely focus on the technical state of vessels but should also pay close attention to crew welfare, working and living conditions, safety equipment, seaworthiness, and MLC 2006 compliance.

The delegation called for decisive action against any identified violations. General Secretary of the All India Seafarers and General Workers Union, Shri Amar Singh Thakur, and General Secretary of the Republican Maritime Union, Shri Jagan Mohan Naidu, affirmed ITEF's dedication to reinforcing seafarers' collective bargaining power and enhancing employment conditions in accordance with established international maritime labor standards.

They declared the federation's intent to directly engage with shipowners, ship managers, and shipping companies to negotiate Collective Bargaining Agreements through its affiliated and member seafarers' trade unions. A stronger Port State Control (PSC) inspection system across all major and minor ports in India was also called for.

They stressed the necessity of more rigorous vessel inspections to ensure shipping companies uphold proper standards of vessel seaworthiness, operational safety, and adherence to international maritime regulations. Furthermore, they stressed that inspections should prioritize seafarers' working and living conditions, onboard safety protocols, and compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).

The delegation stressed the importance of increased regulatory oversight and appropriate enforcement against vessels found to have deficiencies or infringements, emphasizing that vessel safety and seafarers' welfare should be considered as equally important in maritime operations. Through collective efforts, institutional collaboration, and international cooperation, ITEF aims to amplify the seafarers' voice and contribute to a safer, fairer, and more accountable global maritime industry.